Freight Shipping from Burlington to Cleveland
Ship freight from Burlington, VT to Cleveland, OH with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,329-$1,638, LTL from $540-$925. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
618 mi
Drive Time
11 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,329-$1,638
LTL Rate Est.
$540-$925
Burlington to Cleveland Freight Corridor
Burlington is an unlikely freight hub — but GlobalFoundries' semiconductor fab in Essex Junction is the largest private employer in Vermont, producing advanced chips that ship worldwide in climate-controlled, high-security trailers. Ben & Jerry's and Keurig Dr Pepper operate major production facilities in nearby Waterbury, creating consistent reefer and dry van demand. Vermont's geographic isolation from major interstates means carriers command premium rates for serving this market.
Cleveland remains the industrial heart of the Great Lakes manufacturing belt, anchored by Sherwin-Williams' new global headquarters and Cleveland-Cliffs' integrated steel operations. The Port of Cleveland connects to global markets via the St. Lawrence Seaway, handling iron ore, steel, and heavy-lift project cargo. The I-90/I-77 junction gives carriers efficient access to the entire Midwest and Northeast.
The Burlington-to-Cleveland corridor spans 618 miles via I-89, US-7, I-90, I-77. This lane connects semiconductor manufacturing and specialty food & beverage freight from the Burlington market to steel & metals and automotive parts demand in Cleveland. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Burlington
Burlington's economy is driven by semiconductor manufacturing, specialty food & beverage, healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
semiconductors (GlobalFoundries)
craft beer & spirits
maple syrup
ice cream (Ben & Jerry's)
specialty cheese
precision instruments
What Cleveland Receives
Cleveland's steel & metals, automotive parts, healthcare & biomedical sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Burlington.
iron ore (Great Lakes)
raw steel
automotive components
crude chemicals
consumer goods
energy products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Burlington and Cleveland, these equipment types best serve this corridor.
Dry Van (FTL)
Ideal for palletized consumer goods, electronics, packaged foods, and general merchandise. Enclosed protection from weather and theft.
$1,329-$1,638 estimated for this lane
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Required for temperature-sensitive freight including fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Maintains precise temperature control throughout transit.
$1,638-$2,070 estimated for this lane
Flatbed
Best for steel, lumber, machinery, building materials, and oversized loads that cannot be palletized or loaded through standard dock doors.
$1,761-$2,256 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,947-$2,627 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Burlington to Cleveland lane (618 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,329-$1,638 | 11 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $540-$925 | 13-15 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,009-$2,781 | 7 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $834-$1,143 | 14-16 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Burlington and Cleveland that drive volume on this lane.
GlobalFoundries (Essex Junction fab)
Ben & Jerry's (Waterbury)
Keurig Dr Pepper (Waterbury)
Sherwin-Williams (HQ)
Cleveland-Cliffs (HQ)
Lincoln Electric
Shipping Tips for Burlington to Cleveland
Burlington Seasonal Advisory
Maple syrup season (March-April) creates a brief but intense shipping surge. Ben & Jerry's reefer demand peaks ahead of summer. Heating oil deliveries dominate inbound freight October through April. GlobalFoundries runs 24/7 year-round with steady output.
Cleveland Seasonal Advisory
Steel production runs year-round but construction season (April-October) drives the strongest demand for outbound coil and plate loads. Great Lakes shipping season (April-January) determines iron ore import volumes at the port.
Overnight Transit
This 618-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
Book Early for Best Rates
Spot market rates fluctuate daily. Booking 3-5 days in advance typically saves 10-15% compared to same-day or next-day freight requests. For recurring shipments, ask about contract rates.
Burlington to Cleveland Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Burlington to Cleveland?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Burlington, VT to Cleveland, OH currently range from $1,329-$1,638 for a standard dry van load over the 618-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $540-$925 depending on freight class, weight, and dimensions. Request a custom quote for exact pricing based on your specific shipment details.
How long does freight take from Burlington to Cleveland?
Standard FTL transit from Burlington to Cleveland is approximately 11 hrs by truck over 618 miles. LTL shipments add 2-4 business days due to terminal transfers. Expedited service with team drivers can reduce FTL transit by up to 40%. Intermodal rail-truck service takes 5-7 days but offers significant cost savings.
What equipment do I need for Burlington to Cleveland freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Burlington commonly ships semiconductors (GlobalFoundries), craft beer & spirits, maple syrup, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Cleveland commonly receives iron ore (Great Lakes), raw steel, automotive components. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Cleveland to Burlington?
Yes. Cleveland is a strong outbound market shipping steel products, automotive stampings, industrial chemicals. Carriers returning from Cleveland to Burlington can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Burlington-to-Cleveland lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Burlington to Cleveland?
The Burlington-to-Cleveland corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Burlington's top outbound commodities include semiconductors (GlobalFoundries), craft beer & spirits, maple syrup, ice cream (Ben & Jerry's), specialty cheese, precision instruments. Cleveland's primary inbound freight includes iron ore (Great Lakes), raw steel, automotive components, crude chemicals, consumer goods, energy products. Industries driving this lane include semiconductor manufacturing and specialty food & beverage from Burlington and steel & metals and automotive parts in Cleveland.
Get Exact Rates for Burlington to Cleveland
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Burlington to Cleveland lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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